According to the latest developments, the renowned luxury train, Palace on Wheels, is about to change its route after 42 years. According to rumours, this luxury train will now go on a historic journey to the ancient city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.
After gaining the title of the world’s second most lavish train, Palace on Wheels organizers announced a shift in focus, including religious trips beginning in May. According to sources, the six-day spiritual travel would begin in Delhi and include stops at Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mathura, and Vrindavan.
Officials from the Palace on Wheels stated that on regular travels, the train typically supplied non-vegetarian meals and alcoholic drinks to both foreign and local tourists. They noted that for religious trips, non-vegetarian items would be withdrawn from the menu, and dishes would be free of onions and garlic.
The religious excursions will be organized twice a month, allowing flexibility for local tourists who may choose specific places such as Ayodhya or Prayagraj, with special prices available for such customized visits.
The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) contracted the administration of Palace on Wheels to Cube Construction Company Pvt Ltd, a Gujarat-based private company, for the next seven years. The private operator will launch religious trip services in May, with a six-day itinerary beginning in Delhi and visiting Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mathura, and Vrindavan.
Pradeep Bohra, Director of Palace on Wheels, said that the usual non-vegetarian meals and alcoholic drinks given on routine travels will be avoided on religious tours. The meal for these spiritual travels will also be free of onion and garlic, and passengers will be treated to religious songs that resonate with the spirit of Ram and Krishna throughout their journey.
While formerly active for eight months each year, the Palace on Wheels’ current administration intends to extend its services year-round. The religious tours, which are initially scheduled for two months, are designed to attract local visitors by offering customized itineraries and discounted rates at specified places.
Cube Construction Company has agreed to pay the RTDC INR 5 crore per year for the operation of the Palace on Wheels, as well as an 18% share of overall revenue. The INR 7 crore restoration is the train’s fourth-generation update, managed by the Gujarat-based business.
